Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of ...

Before you tear out your existing fireplace, consider these ways to upgrade an outdated fireplace without a full demo.

Q: I plan to set up a gas stove in a fireplace built in 1800. But the floor of the fireplace has an ugly black area, I think from creosote that washed down the chimney when it rained. How do I remove ...